Saturday August 1 2009

Ask Doctor Best

Ask Doctor Best

That learned scholar, Doctor Henry Best, is available to answer your personal questions on matters grave or frivolous, through consultation of portents in the heavens. Please remember that, although he is educated in astrology and a myriad other areas of natural philosophy, holding a PhD from the University of Atlantia, Doctor Best is not a licensed psychotherapist.
Dear Doctor Best,
This year, I want to conceive at Pennsic. What's the best day and time for that?
Signed,
June Bride

Dear June,
What a completely delightful question! I'm happy to help you with such a community-minded endeavor. Let me begin by reassuring you: I don't see any actual unfavorable days in the coming week, per se. In general, conceive away whenever you wish. You'll be joining in a fine tradition. A great many second generation SCAdians are born under the sign of Taurus.
There are some who say that you should conceive between days 10 and 14 of the lunar month, but I consider that to be something of an old wives' tale, not grounded in proper Astrological Scientific Theory. No, in your specific case, the most important factor is the transit of Venus from Gemini to Cancer, which occurs tonight. As a June bride, this transit affects you deeply. If you married June 22nd or later, your marriage is in Cancer, and you will enter a highly propitious time tomorrow, which will last you well into September. If, however, you married the 21st or earlier, your marriage is in Gemini and you haven't a moment to lose! Cancel all appointments for today, consume a good deal of garlic and perhaps some red wine to place your humours in proper alignment, and waste no further time.
If you require any additional assistance in this matter, my dear June, please feel free to consult with me this evening at my office.

Cordially,
Doctor Best

Attention: Gemini/Cancer couples: Venus is in transit tonight, from Gemini to Cancer. This exchange will occur at 8:47 PM and I strongly advise any romantically involved Gemini/Cancer pairings to seek discreet shelter in their tents.
Do you have a question? Bring it to Dr. Best’s office at Sun Baked Studio on Battle Road. Whenever possible, include birth date, time, and place for all parties involved. Your identity will be held in strictest confidence. “Ask me any question, and I’ll give you any answer!”

Brave New War

By Lord DonalBane of Blakmers
Battlefield Correspondent -- Pennsic Independent
Each year, the populace and warriors of the Known World descend on Æthelmearc for the Pennsic War
Warriors come looking for glory on this battlefield — although the quest for glory on this year’s battlefield will be different than years past.
The format of Pennsic XXXVIII will be unique. During the first half of War Week, the traditional war of East vs. Midrealm will commence.
However, during the middle of war, alliances will dissolve and Pennsic will see a fight — the East and Midrealm will join forces against the other kingdoms of the Known World.
How did such a huge change at Pennsic come to pass? It began not long after HRM Andreas of the East and HRM EikBrandr of the Midrealm won their respective crown tournaments.
“When we spoke for the first time, [Andreas] has this idea for a new war where the East and the Midrealm would fight together,” HRM EikBrandr said. “I told him… I think it would be better for my kingdom to fight the first half of War the traditional way. I had a bit more of a conservative approach.”
HRM Andreas said he was agreeable to the move because he wanted to foster better relationships between the Tyger and Dragon.
“There have been some hard feelings between the Eastrealm and the Midrealm in past years,” HRM Andreas said. “I want to go back to our roots. It’s not about smashing the enemy’s face in; it’s about having fun.”
Both kings indicated inter-kingdom relations could improve by bringing the two forces together — as happened last year at the Field Battle. HRM Andreas joked that he would not declare peace at opening ceremonies as happened last year, but he felt Duke Konrad’s decision to do so last year was “a noble one.”
HRM Maynard of AEthelmearc also said he was all for the idea, noting he was in communication with the two belligerent kings early in his reign as well.
“I think it’s great,” HRM Maynard said. “It gives us a chance to show we can bring a force from our lands and turn the table on the East and Midrealm. It’s a great opportunity to show what we can do.”
HRM Maynard said communications between him and his newfound allies have been ongoing to prepare for the second half of the war.
One of the chief features of the new War format is the absence of any war point battles on Wednesday. Both kings indicated they wanted their fighters to have a day free of obligation to enjoy the War.
EikBrandr and Andreas each say they hope their forces can grow closer during this war, as the two kings have during their reigns.
“I have personally really enjoyed getting to know Andreas though this process,” HRM EikBrandr said. “With mutual respect and by forming a bond of friendship with each other, it has really created a positive outlook for this War. We wanted to create a Pennsic that was stress-free.”
“He’s very much like me,” HRM Andreas said of EikBrandr. “He cares for his people and cares about the people here.
“If you come back to camp with a smile on your face and talk about how much fun it was to fight, you’re going to come back to Pennsic,” HRM Andreas added. “It’s good for all of us; more of our people will come back.”
How will the new format of War play out? Check out the Sunday edition of the Pennsic Independent.

Og on Alcohol

Og on Alcohol
By OG
Pennsic Independent
You know what I hate? Not much, really. I am a pretty… well maybe not really pretty… happy guy. Pennsic is fantastic and SCA people are the best in the world, as I have said many times. However, flat beer and tear-down Saturday are on my list of the things I hate. Ever seen someone in great garb? Shoes right, A&S competition-quality tunic, perfect period leather, and all the trimmings. You go up to compliment them and there is a Bluetooth glowing on their ear. I think that they’re a BORG! They have been assimilated by the mundane world.
That world is my big problem this year. Don't you hate it when the mundane world gets in the way of what is really important? SCA events, Pennsic, good friends. We all have work troubles, money troubles, car troubles, got to paint the house, responsibilities, health issues, health of loved ones, etcetera. When those times come we cope but when those times come all at once, all of them ganging up on you, you feel that the fates have conspired. God has hit that big “smite” button.
We make a choice. We hate to like staying home in August. It is sad that at times like this we need Pennsic the most. We need a break from the mundane insanity. Unfortunately, it is often not meant to be. Sadly, we are adults and sometimes we must choose work over play. As for me, right now Pennsic is a ? My mother’s health has taken a turn and I may be staying home playing the good son. Many a year I was not. I must make amends. The yurt has been set up in the backyard. Had the grandkids over for a sleepover. They think it is cool. It is!! I may come to Pennsic for a long weekend. We will see what the gods say.
Lords and Ladies!
Charge your glasses and raise them high!
To the Gods! Whichever ones you choose to pray to, may they in their divine wisdom and mercy bring us all together again next year. Till then…
Drink well
Drink Often
Drink with…
OG